Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet pears and sharp cheddar cheese in this scrumptious Cheddar Pear Pie. With a flaky crust and a rich filling, this pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The sweetness of the pears pairs beautifully with the tangy cheddar, creating a unique and memorable flavor profile. Impress your friends and family with this homemade pie that is both sweet and savory. It's a true comfort food that will leave everyone wanting for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 4-5 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing it with the flour mixture until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, shredded cheddar cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and melted butter. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Pour the pear and cheese filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the remaining dough into another circle. Cut it into strips or use a cookie cutter to create decorative shapes.
- Arrange the strips or shapes on top of the filling in a lattice pattern or any desired design.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice and serve the delicious Cheddar Pear Pie on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Interesting Facts
Cheddar Pear Pie is a popular dessert in the United States, particularly during the fall season when pears are in abundance.
The combination of cheddar cheese and pears may sound unusual, but it creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
This pie can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. It is also delicious when served at room temperature.
The flaky crust of the Cheddar Pear Pie is achieved by using cold butter and chilling the dough before rolling it out.